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Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB Lavonte David is having an off year statistically in his first season with new head coach Dirk Koetter, but he believes he's a better player. "I don't think [the new system] is taking me out of plays, I think it's helping me," David said. "It's helping me be a better overall player, whether it's coverage or whether it's a run-fit… I really don't put too much into [the lack of production]."

Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB Lavonte David agreed to a five-year contract extension, the team confirmed Sunday, Aug. 9. The extension is worth $50.25 million with $25.56 million guaranteed, according to David's agent Ron Butler.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB Lavonte David is keeping is focus on playing despite contract negotiations. "It's really easy," David said. "When you have a lot of time on your hands, you kind of (focus on) what's going on outside. But once football starts, you get to focus and lock in on football," said David.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB Lavonte David's contract negotiations could be complicated by the fact that he provides uncommon production for a 4-3 outside linebacker but just two 4-3 outside linebackers currently make at least $6.5 million per year.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers LBs Lavonte David and Bruce Carter will be leaned upon more heavily this season, especially in the passing game. Tampa Bay will use an extra nickel cornerback on passing downs, so David and Carter will be on the field most of the time, according to head coach Lovie Smith.

Fantasy Tip: David totaled 146 tackles and forced four fumbles in 14 games in 2014, he achieved 145 tackles, five interceptions and seven sacks in 2013 and he tallied 139 tackles in 2013, so he's proven himself as an elite fantasy linebacker.